One thing that emerges clearly from recent studies on food trends in the EU is that today’s consumers often eat their meals alone (30% of respondents), in front of the TV or some other form of entertainment (57%), or in the “company” of their smartphone (51%)*.
It’s well known that eating by yourself lowers your mood and results in a poorer quality, less varied diet. In response, a model of mindful eating is gaining ground, founded on key ideas like listening to what your body needs, eating with other people, having a balanced diet, focusing on the act of eating itself, and taking a greater interest in where our food comes from.
Consumers, then, are asking producers to support them in this new approach, with wholesome foods that are a pleasure to taste, healthy to eat, sustainable, eco-friendly and sociable – enabling us to rediscover the joy of eating together.
*Source: Mintel, How food can reconnect the disconnected consumer (2019)
